Proclamation 4963 -- White Cane Safety Day, 1982

The white cane symbolizes safety and independence to many thousands of blind and other severely
visually handicapped individuals.

It enables them to engage in normal activities of daily living as well as to manage businesses or
perform tasks involved in employment with confidence and efficiency.

The white cane serves notice to the nation's drivers to be cautious and to the pedestrians to be
courteous and considerate of the special needs of the severely visually handicapped. It may also in
a special way be considered an extension of their bodily functions, providing courage, strength,
confidence, hope and independence as well as mobility.

To make all Americans more fully aware of the special significance of the white cane and the need
for extra care and courtesy when approaching its user, the Congress, by a joint resolution
approved October 6, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 15 each year as
White Cane Safety Day.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim October 15, 1982, as White Cane Safety Day.

I ask all Americans to mark this day with concern and respect for the special needs of the severely
visually handicapped and, especially, to note the white cane, in order that our busy streets will be
safer for all.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of Sept. in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and seventh.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:03 a.m., September 9, 1982]